KENYA: Calm down! There is no competition between church and state - Ruto

By Fridah Naliaka Published on: December 01, 2024 03:01 (EAT)

President William Ruto speaking during an Interdenominational church service in Kipsitet Primary School, Kericho County.

President William Ruto has called for unity in Kenya, seeking to calm the storm between the church and state.

Speaking in a church service on Sunday, Ruto called on church leaders and other state officials to shun division.

“There is no need to exchange words…all these things. Calm down, there is no competition between the church and others or the church and state. We are one country,” he said.

“This country cannot prosper on division, we have to be united. The church and the state must work together,” Ruto added.

The statements comes amid a simmering clash between the church and state officials.

The clash began after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called out Ruto’s administrations for failed promises, high taxation and failure to listen to citizens.

In a hard-hitting statement on November 14, the Bishops told Ruto’s government to stop its ‘culture of lies’.

The bishops accused the political class of turning a deaf ear to key concerns raised by Kenyans, including over taxation, unemployment, disturbing gaps in the implementation of the CBC education system, and the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Ruto would later attend a Sunday mass in Soweto where he gave a Ksh. 600,000 donation and pledged another Ksh.2 million for the completion of the parish priest’s residence.

Days later, the Archbishop of the Nairobi Archdiocese Philip Anyolo announced that the church would return the funds as its origin is unknown.

Archbishop Anyolo emphasised the importance of preserving the Church's independence and sanctity, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding political contributions.

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KENYA: Ako wapi sasa? Raila mocks Gachagua over "setting traps at State House"

By Moses Kinyanjui

 Published on: December 01, 2024 03:25 (EAT)

Raila Odinga

Opposition leader Raila Odinga trained his guns at Rigathi Gachagua over his recent impeachment following a long-running political tiff the duo had.

At a political gathering in Vihiga on Sunday, Raila mocked Gachagua over sentiments he once made that he set traps at State House to give the opposition boss unfettered access to President William Ruto.

“Nimepanga hiyo Ikulu, nimeieweka mitego kila corner, kila corner…na niko na watu wakionekana tu karibu napigiwa simu kwa sababu huwezi kubali mtu ameharibu serikali nne aingie ya tano,” said Gachagua in a past address.

In his sneering rebuttal, Odinga said that Gachagua's traps have instead snapped him out of the House on the Hill, adding that he failed to play his political cards wisely.

"Nimeona juzi mtu mwengine anabweka kule ati tumeweka mitego kila mahali, huwezi kupenya. Mtego ya aina gani? Ati aliwekea baba mtego, eti hakuna mambo ya handshake, ya nusu mkate. Akowapi sasa Gachagua? Mjinga sana," said Odinga.

Gachagua's sentiments attracted ridicule from his political friends and foes, including President Ruto, forcing him to renege on the antagonism between him and Odinga.

Speaking to Kikuyu stations from his Karen home he said he removed the traps after noticing that his boss appeared to be reuniting with Odinga, a former political foe. 

"My boss and I had agreed we set up traps so that Raila does not join the government through the backdoor, I would check the traps every morning and evening," Gachagua said. 

"I would constantly check the traps to see whether they had captured anything."

Gachagua claimed that as soon as he saw Ruto appear to be enjoying a new-found union with Odinga, he slowed down and decided to observe from a distance. 

“My traps were working very well because even that time they decided to meet, they did so in Uganda as they watched Museveni's big horned cattle," he added.

Gachagua was impeached in October and Kithure Kindiki was appointed as his replacement.

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ETHIOPIA: Authority suspends licenses for two rights organizations

BySisay Sahlu

November 23, 2024

Federal officials have suspended licenses of two right-focused groups, the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), The Reporter has learned.

A statement released by CARD on Friday reveals that the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) issued a letter on November 14, 2024, informing it of its operational suspension.

CARD’s director, Moges Demisse, declined to comment on the matter, while efforts to contact AHRE for a response were unsuccessful.

ACSO has accused CARD of lacking political neutrality and engaging in activities it considers contrary to national interests, according to the statement. However, CARD said it categorically rejected the allegations, asserting that ACSO failed to follow proper legal procedures, such as providing prior notification of the issue.

The organization emphasized the importance of transparency in such investigations and stated that ACSO should have included CARD in the process. Despite this, CARD has complied with the suspension order and ceased operations, prioritizing constructive engagement with the authorities.

“CARD remains strictly committed to its legal mandate and categorically denies any involvement in political activities. Our organization is steadfastly neutral in both its approach and practice,” the statement added.

CARD received its operational license under the country’s new civil society law in 2019 and has since worked to advance human rights and promote democratization in Ethiopia. Since its establishment, the organization has been at the forefront of documenting human rights abuses and atrocities in Ethiopia

“We have championed media freedom and digital rights, enabling journalists and citizens to access information, express themselves freely, and safely engage on digital platforms,” reads the statement.

It expressed its intent to engage with ACSO to reverse the decision, address concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and resolve the issue collaboratively.

Sources from the Ethiopian Civil Society Organization Council told The Reporter that it is monitoring the situation and working with both organizations to resolve the matter amicably, and there is nothing more to say considering the case is still fresh.

Repeated attempts to obtain a comment from ACSO representatives were unsuccessful.

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ETHIOPIA: UN issued urgent funding appeal for critical humanitarian aid for Ethiopia

ByAbraham Tekle

November 23, 2024

UN issued urgent funding appeal for critical humanitarian aid for Ethiopia

The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for USD 17.8 million to address critical humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, highlighting the escalating crisis fuelled by natural disasters, conflict, and public health emergencies.

The funding is intended to support life-saving interventions for displaced populations and communities facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition in the country.

A recent UN report states the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia remains dire, compounded by the ongoing cholera outbreak, endemic malaria, and acute food shortages across multiple regions. The report stated that the recent floods and landslides have further intensified the crisis.

The UN says the complex access challenges in conflict-affected regions, including Amhara and Oromia, have significantly hindered aid delivery.

Its appeal is part of a broader initiative under the Ethiopia Humanitarian Country Team (EHCT) to address critical funding gaps. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), USD 3.24 billion is required to meet humanitarian needs this year, with USD 811.9 million still unfunded as of mid-October.

“The requested USD 17.8 million will specifically address potential new displacements and drought affected southern and southeastern Ethiopia,” reads the report, while remarking that the drought is expected to affect 24 zones, particularly in the Oromia, Somali, and Southern Ethiopia regions, where communities are still recovering from past climatic shocks.

Meanwhile, the health sector is grappling with widespread disease outbreaks. The cholera outbreak, ongoing since August 2022, continues to spread across most regions, while malaria cases surged to 4.5 million during the first eight months of 2024.

The UN and partners are also working to enhance cholera preparedness and response by prepositioning supplies and strengthening community-level prevention strategies, according to the report.

Despite these efforts, funding shortfalls have constrained the response.

“Emergency shelter and non-food item kits, essential for displaced populations, are critically understocked, leaving 1.1 million vulnerable people without adequate shelter,” reads the report.

It stated that reduced rations for food assistance in severely food-insecure areas reflect the urgent need.

The UN also appealed for immediate international donors to support Ethiopia’s humanitarian situation and called for humanitarian actors on the ground to take note of the timely contributions as critical in averting a potential crisis facing the country.

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ETHIOPIA: Bill proposes to grant EIH 30pct stake in assisted startup businesses

By

Ashenafi Endale

November 23, 2024

Bill proposes to grant EIH 30pct stake in assisted startup businesses

Foreign investors to be exempt from minimum capital requirement

The final draft of the long-awaited Startup Proclamation proposes to grant the government stakes of up to 30 percent in startup businesses set up through facilitated grants. The Ethiopian Investment Holding (EIH) is designated to hold the 30 percent stake on behalf of the government.

The bill, which has been anticipated by entrepreneurs and the business community for years, was submitted for public consultations on November 23, 2024, after several years in the draft stage.

Inside sources say the bill was subject to constant changes, with some of its provisions stirring controversy among people involved with startups. As several ministries and agencies such as the Ethiopian Investment Commission are stakeholders, there was also an issue of institutional ownership holding back finalization.

The article pertaining to EIH was incorporated in the end stages of the drafting process, according to the sources.

The bill proposes to establish a Startup Grant Program under the Ministry of Innovation and Technology to support designated startup businesses. Parliament will be responsible for allocating an annual budget towards the grant, which will also incorporate contributions from development partners and other sources approved by the Ministry of Finance.

The grant is meant to cover costs associated with the establishment, implementation, development, and operation of recipient startups, according to the bill.

The Innovation Ministry will be in charge of distributing the grant directly to recipients, although the bill proposes that ‘Designated Startup Ecosystem Builders’ may be able to take part in distribution for a management fee. These builders are entities that “actively contribute to the establishment, development, and sustainability of startups.”

Candidates include everything from Incubators and co-working spaces to TVET institutes and NGOs.

A business must be younger than five years, own the product or service it provides, have at least 25 percent of its capital held by the founder, and a workforce not exceeding a size to be determined by the Ministry in order to be considered a startup.

The bill also proposes establishment of the ‘Startup Fund of Funds’, a share company owned by the government and private sector, with the possible inclusion of foreign investors. EIH will be able to hold up to a 30 percent stake in the company on behalf of the government.

“The purpose of the Fund of Funds shall be to invest its capital on other funds that invest in startups,” reads the bill.

The startup bill also grants ample provisions for foreign investors participating in Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem. The bill exempts FDI aimed at startups from the USD 150,000 minimum capital required to invest in Ethiopia, which is stipulated in other legislation.

Foreign startups will not be entitled to access the fund grant program, according to the draft. 

“The final bill disclosed lately is very different from the previous versions. This final draft is very good, it incorporated several points that have been hampering the startup ecosystem in Ethiopia. The involvement of EIH is also good. Because EIH has good financial resources, and is also led by professional experts that look for impactful and prospective startups, it can lead startups to successful businesses. More ideas and inputs also will be included during the public consultation and I hope a good proclamation might be put into action soon. The bill is long overdue and there are several problems in the existing startup ecosystem, which remains fragmented,” said a startup expert who worked at several startup incubation centers mushrooming in Addis Ababa. The expert is also closely involved in the drafting process.

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ETHIOPIA: UNSC uneasy over growing ISIL, Al-Shabaab presence in the Horn

By

Ashenafi Endale

November 23, 2024

UNSC uneasy over growing ISIL, Al-Shabaab presence in the Horn 

A report presented to the UN Security Council indicates the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) faction in Somalia is witnessing an influx of foreign fighters from Ethiopia, Morocco, Sudan, Tanzania, Syria, and Yemen.

The 171-page report presented by the Panel of Experts on Somalia and Al-Shabaab reveals that security forces in Puntland have arrested dozens of foreign fighters over the past year, with detainees confirming the presence of a significant number of foreign fighters training in small groups with trainers from the Middle East.

The report notes Puntland, which is located only 130 nautical miles from Yemen, serves as a “strategic bridge” between the Horn and the Gulf, and has been used by extremist groups to move and train its fighters, smuggle weapons and generate income through various illicit activities, as well as tax collection (zakawat) from businesses in Bosaso and elsewhere in Somalia, including in Mogadishu.

ISIL-Somalia has expanded its base of operations in Puntland as part of the growing collaboration with Al-Shabaab and Houthis in Yemen, according to the report.

Somalia’s security forces are struggling to keep up with the opaque use of cryptocurrency in financial transactions involving these groups, while none of the top leadership of ISIL-Somalia or the Al-Karrar office is currently listed under any United Nations sanctions regime, according to the report.

Experts estimate the influx of foreign fighters has doubled the size of the ISIL force to up to 700 fighters in Puntland.

The report indicates that Al-Shabaab continues to carry out cross-border attacks into Kenya, in particular in the north-eastern counties of Garissa, Lamu, Mandera, and Wajir along the border with Somalia.

It also suggests that Al-Shabaab has been involved in the trafficking of women and girls from Kenya to Somalia for sexual slavery and forced marriages, using various means, including deception, coercion and abduction.

The report notes evidence that Al-Shabaab received income of more than USD 150 million in 2023, from its extensive financial operations, including the identification of new products such as scrap metals and new tariffs and taxation.

“Al-Shabaab continues to have a strong financial base deriving from the illegal taxation of all economic activities and all products transiting through areas under their control, including property levies,” it reads.

The fundamentalist group continues to rely on seizing weapons, ammunition and military equipment from ATMIS and the Somali National Army to arm its members. The report warns attacks on these bases may occur more often in light of the ongoing ATMIS drawdown.

“The safe and secure management of weapons and ammunition in Somalia remains challenging owing to illicit weapons trafficking, lack of accountability over heavily armed clan militias and the limited analysis and tracing capacity regarding seized weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices. Weapons seized from Al-Shabaab were manufactured as recently as 2021, proving that the group maintains access to illicit weapons supplies,” it reads.

Weapons are often smuggled into Somalia using fishing vessels, according to the report, and trafficking has been on the rise following the lifting of a three-decade long arms embargo on Somalia last year.

Al-Shabaab is looking to lean more heavily into drone warfare, building on its previous practice of using unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance purposes, according to the Panel.

Al-Shabaab continues to claim its highest number of attacks in Somalia’s South-West State, where there have been no major gains made by the Somali National Army during the reporting period.

“Ethiopian forces, including as part of ATMIS, currently provide protection in major towns and cities under the control of the Government in Baidoa, Ceel Barde, Dinsoor, Hudur and Waajid, as well as Baardheere, Garbaharrey and Luuq in Gedo in Jubaland,” reads the report.

The Panel also found evidence of a re-emergence of piracy along the coastline of Somalia.

Recommendations

The Panel wants to see the Somali government to facilitate its access to suspected Al-Shabaab members and other persons of interest held in custody, including detainees held on terrorism, terrorist financing, weapon smuggling and piracy-related charges.

Experts urge for regional member states to address the resurgence of ISIL-Somalia through strengthened coordination and cooperation on counter-terrorism investigations, including the movement of foreign fighters across regional borders.

The report calls on member states and specialized agencies to facilitate a coordination mechanism between the Mogadishu and Hargeisa financial intelligence units and reporting entities, the financial and non-financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, to facilitate collaboration.

Experts urge the African Union to remain on high alert during the ongoing transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM and call on member states to equip the Somali government with offshore patrol capability and coast guard stations to enhance maritime security by countering piracy and other illicit maritime activities.

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